Coming this Fall
The Cultivating Connection & Belonging Fellows Program
A semester-long cohort program for College of Humanities educators to develop practical, evidence-based strategies that build connection and support student wellbeing, persistence, and success in the classroom and beyond.
Part of a national initiative of the Modern Language Association, MLA Pathways: Recruitment, Retention, and Career Readiness, this collaborative experience will provide opportunities to reflect and experiment alongside colleagues who share your commitment to fostering student connection through Humanities education. Together, we will engage with research-based frameworks, dialogue and reflection, and hands-on techniques, focusing on micro-practices that can be implemented immediately.
Sample Session Topics
- What is Belonging and Why Does it Matter?
- Techniques for Building Connection and Psychological Safety in Discussion-Based Courses
- Belonging in the Body: The Biology of Stress, Safety and Learning
- Learning by Design: Creating a Living Learning Community
- Talking Across Differences: Encouraging Constructive Dialogue on Tough Topics
- Providing Feedback that Builds Connection and Career Skills
- Beyond my Classroom: Campus Resources for Student Success & Wellbeing
- Resources for Instructor Wellbeing and Self-Care
Who Should Apply?
COH staff, PhD students, and faculty of all ranks in all tracks who:
- Are curious about the student belonging and wellbeing
- Currently teach undergraduate discussion-based courses in any language
- Want to experiment with small but meaningful shifts in their teaching
Are committed to building community with COH colleagues and sharing what they learn
Participants may be eligible for a $400 stipend.
No specific expertise of experience is needed, just openness and a commitment to participate and share what you learn.
Key CCB Fellow Program Dates
Brought to you by the College of Humanities, Health Humanities Hub, and Campus Health with generous support from the MLA Pathways STEP Grant Program.